JabRef vs RefWorks

JabRef is a free, open-source citation and reference manager for collecting and organizing research sources. It works natively with BibTeX and BibLaTeX libraries stored as text, imports references from more than 15 formats, and extracts metadata from PDFs. Users can search scientific catalogs such as CrossRef, Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, arXiv, and zbMATH. Library tools include hierarchical collections, keywords and tags, advanced search and filters, duplicate merging, and customizable citation keys. JabRef supports cite-as-you-write workflows with Word and LibreOffice/OpenOffice, and can send citation keys to editors including Emacs, LyX, TeXstudio, Vim, and WinEdt. Its browser extension collects bibliographic information from websites, though the documentation warns it is non-functional on Chrome. Teams can share a SQL database, and SSL connections are supported; SSL testing is documented only for PostgreSQL. Since version 6, users can summarize papers and chat with them through external AI providers, which process requests and linked PDFs. The project directs users to documentation and a community forum for help, with bug reports handled through GitHub.

RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service for collecting, organizing, collaborating on, and publishing research. Users can find, import, and save references from sources such as PubMed and the Library of Congress, then organize files including PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and HTML. Deduplication tools help maintain a reference library. The service can generate citations and bibliographies in more than 6,000 styles, and includes a citation style editor. Its RefWorks Citation Manager add-in connects with Google Docs and Microsoft Word. Researchers can privately share full-text documents and work together on group projects in real time. RefWorks also integrates with databases and library systems including Web of Science, ProQuest Central, and Summon. It runs in a browser, and its interface is available in nine languages. New users can enter an institutional email to check subscription availability; access is offered through subscribing institutions. Institutional administrators can manage accounts, distribute citation styles, measure usage, and set collaboration and annotation rights. Pricing is available on request, and the product page offers a trial request without stating its duration.